Circulation of yellow fever virus close to urban areas of the southern state of Paraná has been confirmed with the deaths of eight monkeys (up from three on Nov 27) near the towns of Clevelandia, Coronel Domingos Soares, Mangueirinha and Cruz Machado. The detection comes earlier than the virus’ usual high transmission season from December to May. The state’s current YF vaccine coverage sits at just under 72 percent of the population protected. Read more
DATA from the PAHO report on measles for the year to early October: Brazil (8,202 cases, seven deaths), Mexico (196), Argentina (61 and one death), while in Africa, outbreaks were recorded in 15 countries. Globally, case numbers were lower during the usual northern spring peak season and the reasons behind this likely to be ‘Under-reporting, under-diagnosis or a real decrease due to the direct or indirect effects of the COVID-19 pandemic measures’. Read more
Advice for travellers
Yellow fever virus is a mosquito-borne disease found in tropical and subtropical areas in Central/South America and Africa. Monkeys are the primary reservoir of the yellow fever virus and transmission occurs through mosquito bites which pass the virus on to other mosquitoes or to humans. While it can be severe, yellow fever infection is a very rare in Australian travellers. However, under the International Health Regulations (IHR), proof of vaccination may be required of any traveller entering or leaving an area at risk of yellow fever transmission. Read more about yellow fever.
Before you travel, call Travelvax Australia’s telephone advisory service on 1300 360 164 (toll-free from landlines) for country-specific advice and information. You can also make an appointment at your nearest Travelvax clinic to obtain vaccinations, medication to prevent or treat illness, and accessories for your journey.